Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.